The Shadow of Childhood Trauma: Psychoanalytic Exploration of Color, Isolation and Insecurity in Kamala Das's Literary Works

Abstract

This paper examines how Kamala Das’s childhood experiences of colourism, isolation, and insecurity shape the recurring themes of identity and emotional struggle in her literary work. Das, a significant voice in Indian feminist literature, often challenged societal norms, particularly around female desire and identity. This study aims to highlight the psychological underpinnings of her narratives, focusing on how her personal traumas inform the lives and conflicts of her characters. Drawing on Freudian and Jungian psychoanalytic theory, this analysis explores how Das's repressed emotions surface in her writing, particularly through themes of alienation and resistance. A close reading of My Story and selected poems reveals how Das’s characters mirror her own unresolved psychological conflicts, using symbolic imagery to reflect the internal battles shaped by her early experiences. The research also integrates feminist criticism, examining how societal expectations compound personal trauma, particularly for women in patriarchal contexts. This intersection of personal and collective experiences of oppression provides a new lens through which to read Das’s work. Ultimately, this study enhances our understanding of Das’s literary contributions, offering new insights into the complex relationship between personal trauma and artistic expression. It also broadens the scope of psychoanalytic and feminist literary criticism in postcolonial literature.